Pa. investigates water spill from faulty gas well

TUNKHANNOCK, Pa. (AP) — State environmental officials are looking into the cause of a waste water spill from a faulty natural gas well in northeastern Pennsylvania that allowed thousands of gallons of fluid waste to escape, forcing the evacuation of nearby residents.

Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Colleen Connolly says the well in Wyoming County was brought under control early Thursday afternoon. It had begun malfunctioning around 6 p.m. Wednesday and worsened overnight.

Connelly says about 227,000 gallons of the fluid was captured in tanks. Four families were asked to evacuate.

The Times-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/13ZTD3s) she says there was no gas buildup or explosion and investigators are looking into the cause. Crews found no evidence of volatile chemicals or methane, but are continuing to look into any soil or water impacts.